D.M.A. in Viola Performance Degree

• MUSI 693 Advanced Viola for Majors – 8 semesters, six (6) taken as a DMA student
• MUSI 635 Advanced Orchestra (taken while a DMA student) – 4 semesters*
• MUSI 751 Recitals (5 performed while a DMA student)

Recital requirements can be fulfilled in any of the following combinations: two (2) solo; one (1) lecture; one (1) chamber and one (1) concerto with orchestra; or three (3) solo, one (1) lecture and one (1) chamber;  or two (2) solo, one (1) lecture and two (2) chamber

*Students Pursuing the DMA degree on a string instrument must be enrolled in MUSI 635 Advanced Orchestra during four of their six semesters of residency. Within those four semesters are eight rotations which are generally fulfilled by two chamber orchestra rotations each semester. The student in consultation with their major teacher may choose from Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra or the Modular Ensemble Framework (MEF) for up to four of the eight rotations. They may also elect to enroll in one or two additional semesters or be required to do so by their major teacher. The student in consultation with their major teacher will choose the semesters for participation.

• MUSI 611 Classroom Pedagogy 
• MUSI 711 Analytical Approaches 
• MUSI 733 Doctoral Seminar I: Career Skills 
• MUSI 735 Doctoral Seminar II: Repertory  
• MUSI 736 Solo Repertory for Doctoral Students
• MUSI 737 Doctoral Seminar III: Music History Proseminar 
• MUSI 738 Doctoral Individual Project
• MUSI 739 Pedagogy for Doctoral Students

Degree specific requirements - 2 semester hours
 

• MUSI 492 String Technology

• Music History – 9 semester hours
• Music Theory – 6 semester hours

Electives** –11 semester hours 
 

**Electives must be 300 level or above. Graduate academic courses taken elsewhere may be transferred with the approval of the relevant Department Chair. Additional hours of required performance coursework may not count toward the elective requirement. However, up to three (3) semester hours of MUSI 649 Graduate Independent Study will count towards degree requirements.

Classroom Teaching

Examinations
 

• Piano proficiency
• Aural skills proficiency
• Written and oral qualifying examinations

• MUSI 750 Doctoral Document - 2 semesters (the document must be publicly defended)

Diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory are given prior to admission to the Shepherd School, and play an important role in the admissions decision. Weaknesses in these areas will be addressed by courses designated by the chairs of the respective departments and count as electives. All doctoral students must also pass proficiency exams in aural skills and piano. These exams are scheduled at the beginning of each academic year. If required, MUSI 432 Graduate Aural Skills Review and/or MUSI 281 Secondary Piano must be taken, but neither will count towards the total number of hours required for the degree.

This degree plan was updated August 2023 and is intended for the 2023-24 academic year.